This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.sierracollege.edu.

Contact Information

Contact Information
Division
Kinesiology and Athletics
Dean
Rachel Johnson
Associate Dean
Mark McGreevy
Location
Division Office
Ft, Rocklin Campus

Overview

Recreation Management is designed to explore the skills needed to manage programs and events in a variety of recreational settings that include city parks and recreation programs, state and national parklands, hotels, playgrounds, forests, beaches, health clubs, tourism destinations and non-profit community centers. Career fields in recreation include public service, private recreation, outdoor recreation and leadership positions.

Faculty

Darci D. Brownell

Professor, Athletics/Health Education/Kinesiology/Recreation Management

B.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.S., National University

Mary V. Conway

Professor, Athletics/Health Education/Kinesiology/Recreation Management

A.A., Packer Collegiate Institute
B.S., City University of New York, Brooklyn College
M.S., University of Illinois, Chicago

Scott R. Decker

Professor, Athletics/Health Education/Kinesiology/Recreation Management

B.A., University of California, Davis
M.A., United States Sports Academy

Daniel Diaz Romero

Assistant Professor, Athletics/Health Education/Kinesiology/Recreation Management/Assistant Football Coach

B.S., University of California, Davis
M.A., Western Governor’s University
M.S., University of Central Missouri

Heather Eubanks

Professor, Athletics/Health Education/Kinesiology/Recreation Management

B.A., California Lutheran University
M.A., Azusa Pacific University

John C. Fusano

Professor, Athletics/Health Education/Kinesiology/Recreation Management

B.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.A., Saint Mary's College of California

Jason S. Gantt

Professor, Athletics/Health Education/Kinesiology/Recreation Management

B.S., California State University, Sacramento
M.S., California State University, Sacramento

Alanna Jackson

Assistant Professor, Athletics/Health Education/Kinesiology/Recreation Management

B.A., University of Nevada, Reno
M.S., California State University, Sacramento

Brandie Murrish

Professor, Athletics/Health Education/Kinesiology/Recreation Management

B.S., California Lutheran University
M.S., California State University, Northridge
M.Ed., Grand Canyon University

Vera Nelson

Professor, Athletics/Health Education/Kinesiology/Recreation Management

B.A., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
M.S., California State University, Sacramento

Ben S. Noonan

Professor, Athletics/Health Education/Kinesiology/Recreation Management

A.A. Santa Rosa Junior College
B.A., Bemidji State University
M.S., Texas A and M University-Kingsville

Robert B. Willson

Professor, Athletics/Health Education/Kinesiology/Recreation Management

A.A., Laney College
B.A., Sonoma State University
M.A., Saint Mary's College of California

Recreation Management Advisory Committee

  • Fair Oaks Parks and Recreation District, Fair Oaks, CA
  • Sierra College, Rocklin, CA
  • Inn Town Campground, Grass Valley and Nevada City, CA
  • Sierra Business Council, Nevada City, CA
  • Roseville PRD, Roseville, CA
  • Sierra Business Council, Nevada City, CA
  • Auburn Recreation District, Auburn, CA
  • Rocklin Chamber of Commerce, Rocklin, CA
  • Sunrise Parks, Citrus Heights, CA
  • City of Rocklin Parks and Recreation, Rocklin, CA
  • Auburn Recreation District, Auburn, CA
  • Golden Sierra Job Training Agency, Roseville, CA
  • City of Roseville Parks, Libraries, and Recreation, Roseville, CA
  • CA State Parks: Empire Mine State Historic Park, Grass Valley & Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, North Bloomfield, CA
  • Carmichael Park, Carmichael, CA
  • Orangevale Recreation & Parks District, Orangevale, CA
  • City of Lincoln Recreation District, Lincoln, CA
  • Folsom Sports Complex, Folsom, CA
  • North Highlands Recreation & Parks District, North Highlands, CA

Degrees/Certificates

Associate Degree

Certificate of Achievement

Recreation Management

AA or AS Degree

The Recreation Management program provides students an opportunity to learn how to motivate others to improve their lives through the constructive use of recreation. Successful completion of the Recreation Management associate degree prepares students for transfer to four-year universities. The curriculum has been designed to meet lower-division major requirements at most transfer institutions in Recreation, Recreation Administration and Resort and Lodging Management. Career opportunities include positions at recreation centers, corporate wellness programs, hotels, resorts and park and recreation programs. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

Required Courses

RECM 0010Foundations of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Management3
RECM 0020Program Planning and Event Management3
RECM 0030Leadership in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Management3
RECM 0040Leisure Aspects of the Hospitality Industry3
Select 9-11 units from the following:9-11
BIOL 0005
Human Anatomy
BIOL 0006
Human Physiology
BIOL 0011
Concepts of Biology
BUS 0201
Financial Accounting I
BUS 0202
Financial Accounting II
BUS 0203
Managerial Accounting
BUS 0242
Entrepreneurship - Small Business Management
BUS 0250
Computer Applications for Business
or CSCI 0010
 Introduction to Computing
BUS 0260
Introduction to Business
BUS 0270
Business Law
COMM 0010
Communication Theory, Methods, and Practice
ECON 0001A
Principles of Macroeconomics
ECON 0001B
Principles of Microeconomics
ESCI 0001
Physical Geology
ESCI 0001L
Physical Geology Laboratory
GEOG 0001
Physical Geography
PSYC 0100
General Principles of Psychology
RECM 0095
Internship in Recreation Management
SOC 0001
Introduction to Sociology
Total Units21-23

Recreation Specialist

Certificate of Achievement

This certificate program provides an enhanced understanding of the basic service industry skills necessary for successful employment in the recreation, parks, tourism and hospitality industry. This program is designed to meet the needs of students interested in seeking entry-level employment in a wide range of positions within the industry. Career opportunities include: recreation attendant, program coordinator, event planner, recreation program leader, pool manager, sports official (umpire and referee), ski resort worker, camp counselor, theme park attendant, tour guide, golf course employee and other related occupations. A certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.

Required Courses

HED 0001Standard First Aid/Community CPR3
RECM 0010Foundations of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Management3
RECM 0020Program Planning and Event Management3
RECM 0030Leadership in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Management3
RECM 0040Leisure Aspects of the Hospitality Industry3
RECM 0095Internship in Recreation Management1
Select 3 units from the following:3
BUS 0266
Introduction to Oral Communication
COMM 0003
Small Group Communication
COMM 0007
Intercultural Communication
COMM 0008
Interpersonal Communication
Select 3 units from the following:3
BUS 0260
Introduction to Business
BUS 0280
Introduction to Marketing
Select 2-4 units from the following:2-4
RECM 0070
Backpacking
RECM 0071
Rock Climbing
RECM 0072
Wilderness Survival
Total Units24-26

Courses

Understanding course descriptions

RECM 0010. Foundations of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Management

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
A foundational course focusing on the history, nature, scope and social aspects of leisure services in Western and international cultures. Includes philosophical and ethical issues as well as exploration of possible career paths. (CSU)

RECM 0020. Program Planning and Event Management

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Theory, delivery systems and processes of program planning, implementation, and evaluation applicable to a variety of public and private agencies. Addresses programs that serve different age groups, interests and needs within a range of environments. Leadership for both professionals and volunteers presented in terms of their relationship to the human services field. (CSU)

RECM 0030. Leadership in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Management

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Leadership of recreation activities with emphasis on the social development and integration of individuals into group programs, mechanics of planning, techniques of presentation and a repertoire of social activities as tools of social recreation. (CSU)

RECM 0040. Leisure Aspects of the Hospitality Industry

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Provide students with tools to review the structure and financial performances of the hospitality industry; food and lodging, resorts, tourism enterprises, attractions, and related operations. Focusing on orientation of customer service, cultural/economic trends, and career opportunities. (CSU)

RECM 0070. Backpacking

Units: 2
Formerly known as PHED 76
Hours: 54 (18 lecture, 36 activity)
Basics of minimum impact camping and wilderness safety with maximum personal comfort and enjoyment. Emphasizes "leave-no-trace" camping skills, wilderness navigation, shelter use and site selection, group dynamics and leadership. Students should be ambulatory and in good physical health to complete the two required backpacking field trips. Camping, entrance, and transportation fees may be required. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

RECM 0071. Rock Climbing

Units: 2
Formerly known as PHED 77
Hours: 54 (18 lecture, 36 activity)
Covers various aspects of climbing including: how to use rope systems and other climbing gear safely, how to tie and use various knots, belaying techniques, call signals, balance, climbing techniques, footwork, flexibility, and rappelling. Students should be ambulatory and in good health to complete the required field trips. Entrance and transportation fees may be required. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

RECM 0072. Wilderness Survival

Units: 2
Formerly known as PHED 78
Hours: 54 (27 lecture, 27 laboratory)
Designed to enhance the student's understanding of the outdoors and the natural world. Interactive discussions and experiments involving shelter, water, fire, food, tracking, hazards, and other basic survival skills. Field study required. (CSU)

RECM 0095. Internship in Recreation Management

Units: 0.5-4
Designed for advanced students to work in an area related to their educational or occupational goal. Provides new on-the-job technical training under the direction of a worksite supervisor, allowing students to expand knowledge and skills in the chosen field. Mandatory orientation session and faculty approval to determine eligibility. One unit of credit is equal to each 60 hours of non-paid work, or each 75 hours of paid work. Students may earn up to a total of 16 units in internship courses (any course numbered 95 and PDEV 94). (CSU-with unit limitation)

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)

  • Identify and practice high safety standards, support environmental needs, and provide a safe positive experience for other participants (students, student athletes, visiting athletes, community and faculty).
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills needed for recreational programs.
  • Demonstrate personal responsibility and the importance of different leadership roles.
  • Outline criteria for event planning, marketing and promoting in communities.
  • Create a balance between physical fitness, social well-being, health, and academic success.